Former constable Sebastian Sargent admitted gross misconduct ahead of a hearing on Tuesday.

The hearing heard Sargent searched for unconscious rape videos and pornography involving animals as he was on duty while based at Lowestoft Police Station.

While collecting CCTV evidence for an investigation Sargent had also tried to sexually pursue a 17-year-old girl according to temporary detective chief inspector Richard Weller.

Former constable Sebastian Sargent on patrol in Lowestoft where he served (Image: Suffolk Constabulary/Facebook)

On January 15 last year the officer met the girl and briefly spoke to her then later searched her up on social media at a police station.

In the afternoon, while on duty, he messaged the girl on Facebook and said he thought she was “cute” and asked if she was single.

Mr Weller told the hearing the girl said she was single but only 17 but the officer, who was 23 at the time, continued calling her “gorgeous”.

A conditional caution was issued against Sargent at the time for messaging the girl.

It was also found that in November 2023, while deployed on public order duties the officer met and spoke with another woman who was intoxicated.

He took her details and contacted her on Instagram the following day and told her she was “hot” and asked if she was single, Mr Weller told the hearing.

Initially the woman replied and but then stopped however the officer persisted and sent messages to her for months after.

He messaged her saying “you look amazing” and “you’re stunning” and “gorgeous”, it was said.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Davidson chaired the misconduct hearing (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Davidson, who chaired the meeting, said Sargent had "demonstrated predatory behaviour" and said "the public will be shocked and highly disappointed" by the former officer's actions.

The hearing heard that Sargent was "extremely remorseful and apologetic".

ACC Nick Davidson concluded the hearing by saying the former officer would have been dismissed without notice had he remained a serving officer.

A recommendation was made for Sargent to be placed on barred list which will mean he cannot have any role within the police service.

© Eastern Daily Press